Abstract: A press assembly includes first and second members which engage opposite sides of a workpiece during operation of the press assembly. A cushion assembly is provided to absorb force transmitted from at least one of the members during operation of the press assembly. A high pressure reservoir is connected in fluid communication with a cylinder of the cushion assembly to receive fluid during operation of the press assembly. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the cushion assembly at a relatively low pressure during operation of the press assembly. A valve is operable to block a flow of hydraulic fluid from the cushion assembly as the press assembly begins to operate from a closed condition toward an open condition to thereby retain the cushion assembly in a retracted condition. A secondary or pump cylinder may be actuated by operation of the press assembly to pump hydraulic fluid to the cushion assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for TWB forming with adaptive control of movable punch and/or die segments in a manner to maintain a holding force at the weld line by the punch and die segments during at least initial forming of the blank in a manner to control and limit movement of the weld line. A tailor welded metal blank having a weld line is positioned between a punch and a die with the weld line spanning a cavity defined between the punch and the die. One or more individual segments of the punch and of the die are moved in a manner to engage opposite side regions of the weld line to apply a holding force to the weld line. Relative movement of the punch and/or die segments is adaptively controlled during at least initial deformation of the blank by the punch in a manner to maintain the holding force applied to weld line at a selected holding force value to retain the weld line in a plane defined by the punch and die segments, thereby reducing weld line movement.

Abstract: A sheet forming method including the steps of: holding a blank between a blank holder and an opposing die so that wrinkling is prevented in the blank; and forming the blank to an objective shape with a punch, while imposing a force of a variable bead on the blank at a selected position in a point manner and only during a part of the entire forming period selectively. An apparatus for conducting the above method.

Abstract: A can of the type having a cylindrical body, has an easy open end seamed on it. The easy open end includes a center panel defined by a scored ring. The scored ring lies under an S-shaped bend formed around a perimeter of the center panel. A process for forming the easy open end includes the steps of: forming a semi-toroidal protuberance on the easy open end; coining a scored ring close to an external edge of the protuberance; and deforming the protuberance through a radial compression and a compression transverse to the radial compression to form the S-shaped bend with three thicknesses of material.

Abstract: A hydraulic press for deep drawing has mutually reciprocating clamping rings (6, 13) for idly clamping a sheet metal blank (5) with a predetermined force. The clamping rings (6, 13) are operated each by their cylinder (9, 14). The press has a tool (4) for forming the sheet blank (5), and a power unit (10, 11, 16) for generating a relative movement between, on the one hand, the clamping rings (6, 13) and, on the other hand, the tool (4). During the forming phase, the working volumes of the cylinders (9, 14) are interconnected to a common volume to which there is further connected a pressure maintenance device wit a pressure sensor (22), a regulator valve (23) and a pump (28). The piston areas of the cylinders (9, 14) are suitably equal.

Abstract: An improved can body maker apparatus has a redraw system of reduced mass. An air actuator is incorporated into the redraw motion assembly to maintain a cam actuated arm in contact with a cam surface during the reform cycle. A improved mechanical linkage eliminates the conventional redraw carriage. The redraw sleeve is supported within a fluid bearing mounted in a stationary housing.

Abstract: A sheet pressing method and apparatus using a die and a punch. The invention encompasses holding a sheet between the die and a blank holder to form a first contact surface between the die and the sheet and a second contact surface between the sheet and the blank holder; forming a third contact surface between the punch and the sheet; supplying a pressurized liquid to at least one contact surface; and pressing the sheet through the die with an aid of the punch.

Abstract: An automatic crimping tool having a crimping mechanism and a carrier strip feed mechanism where the crimping mechanism includes a vertically slidable ram with crimping dies and a spring loaded terminal clamping bar mechanism that has a slidable spring loaded clamping bar that presses a terminal against an anvil during the downward stroke of the ram by way of a pivotable hook mechanism attached to the clamping mechanism that engages with a pin of the bar to lift the bar off the terminal during the upward ram stroke after crimping, thereby considerably increasing the crimping cycle speed, the crimping mechanism further includes a depressor attached to the ram that depresses the carrier strip feeding mechanism in sync with the movement thereof, such that the carrier strip is pushed below the height of the anvil just prior to crimping so that bending of the carrier strip and tilting of the terminal is avoided, ensuring a high crimp quality, the feeder mechanism having a double acting motor that effectuates advanc

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes blank holder and an opposing die for holding a blank therebetween, and a punch for drawing the blank. The blank holder and the opposing die include respective blank holding surfaces in which beads, having at least a portion that varies in distance from a drawing profile, are formed. In a drawing method conducted using the apparatus, a blank holder is lowered to hold the blank between the blank holder and the opposing die, and then the blank holder is further lowered so that the held blank is drawn by the punch.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing cold-formed shaped forms of packaging out of a metal-plastic laminate where the said device contains a die with at least one die opening, in the die opening a stamp which may be driven by the die, and a retaining tool as a clamping facility that holds the laminate securely between the die and the clamping facility. The die and the retaining tool feature a facing edge region and the die, within the edge region, a shoulder region that surrounds the die opening, and the surface of the shoulder region lies 0.01 to 10 mm lower than the surface of the edge region of the die. Parts or in particular the whole of the shoulder region may be covered with a surface layer of low friction characteristics. The metal-plastic laminate is held clamped between the edge of the die and the edge of the retaining tool, and the stamp draws and stretches the part of the laminate in the region of the shoulder over the shoulder into the die opening.

Abstract: In a die cushion pin pressure equalizing system wherein a plurality of die cushion pins are vertically movably provided in a bolster of a press machine, pressure equalizing hydraulic cylinders supported by die cushions are respectively provided downwardly of the plurality of die cushion pins and the plurality of pressure equalizing hydraulic cylinders are connected to one another through hydraulic paths, so that oil pressure is applied to the pressure equalizing hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic paths, preload oil pressure acting on the plurality of pressure equalizing cylinders is raised to thereby prevent the plungers from bottoming.

Abstract: A method for forming a stainless steel sink bowl having a top edge, a sidewall and a bottom surface interconnected by smooth corner surfaces from a single sheet is provided. The method comprises drawing a stainless steel blank between a first draw die and a first forming die to form a first drawn blank having an unfinished bowl with a length, width and depth which are less than the finished length and width and generating a deformation warmth in the blank at the corner surfaces in proximity to the rim as the first drawn blank is being formed to a temperature of approximately 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. The first drawn blank is immediately removed from the first draw die and the first forming die and transferred to a finish draw die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stretch controlled forming mechanism and method for preventing uncontrolled stretching, wrinkling, or splitting of welded blanks. Specifically, a stretch controlled forming mechanism is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, locks the welded blank between opposed die surfaces along the seams where the different gauge materials of the blank are welded together. Such locking prevents continued flow of material in the welded areas during the remainder of the formation process. Thus, with the jointed areas restricted from further material flow, the portion of the welded blank not previously formed can be formed between opposed dies, without damage to the welded seams or the lower gauge material of the welded blank.

Abstract: Draw processing flat-rolled sheet metal substrate preselectively precoated on each surface with organic coating and draw lubricant into one-piece can bodies ready for assembly into sanitary can packs free of any requirement for applying organic coating or adding organic coating for repair purposes after fabrication and before such direct usage. Cupping of precoated flat-rolled sheet metal can stock using preselected tooling configurations and clearance avoids any increase in side wall metal thickness gage. Tension elongation during redraw is controlled over side wall height by clamping solely between planar clamping surfaces, tooling configurations and preselected clearances to decrease thickness gage uniformly over side wall height between flange metal open end of can body and curved transition zone at closed end. Surface area of the cavity entrance zone for each die is fabricated about multiple radii forming sharp edge about which coated can stock is drawn into each die cavity.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal sheet workpiece into a three-dimensional object by subjecting the workpiece to a stretch forming process along at least two strain paths having slopes of opposite sign. The strain paths define a point on a forming limit curve that is shifted substantially from a forming limit curve generated by linear strain paths. The shift in forming limit curves allows a substantially higher strain state to be reached in the workpiece in comparison to a strain state achievable using linear strain paths to attain the same strain state in flowing metal into a die cavity. The three-dimensional object is formed by flowing workpiece metal into a die cavity in a manner that controls the position and magnitude of forces restraining the periphery of the workpiece such that metal flow into the cavity takes place along the strain paths having the slopes of opposite sign.

Abstract: A predrawn can made of a metal sheet coated with an organic film is subjected to a process which reduces its diameter and thins its walls by a high thinning ratio. The thinning is achieved by a blank holder (1), a redrawing die (3) and an ironing die (4), the reduction ratio for the ironing die being defined by ##EQU1## wherein T.sub.2 equals the thickness of the can before ironing and T.sub.3 equals the thickness after ironing, wherein the reduction ratio for the ironing die is in the range of 10 to 50%. The wall at the top end portion of the can is maintained thicker than the rest of the can wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus applicable to a press using a die set including a lower and an upper die which are removably installed movably towards and away from each other to perform a pressing operation under the adjusted operating conditions. A memory is provided to store machine information relating to the press and necessary to determine optimum values for the operating conditions. Die set information relating to the die set and necessary to determine the optimum values are received through a data input device. A calculating device calculates the optimum values, based on the machine information and the die set information, and an adjusting device automatically adjusts the operating conditions according to the calculated optimum values.

Abstract: In a cushioning device of a press having a pneumatic cylinder for producing a blank-holding force to be applied to a blank through a cushion platen and a pressure ring, an optimum initial value of the pneumatic pressure of the pneumatic cylinder when the cushion platen is placed at a setup position lower than the lower stroke end is calculated based on die-set information relating to the pressure ring and including a predetermined optimum value of the blank-holding force, and machine information relating to the cushioning device, so that the calculated optimum initial pneumatic pressure provides the optimum blank-holding force during a pressing operation, irrespective of a volumetric increase of the pneumatic cylinder due to a movement of the cushion platen from the setup position to an operating position for the pressing operation. The pneumatic pressure is adjusted to the calculated optimum initial value when the cushion platen is located at the setup position.

Abstract: A pair of forming elements incorporate features which restrain a thin foil workpiece without requiring high or excessive clamping pressures. A retaining step is provided in the second forming element having the forming cavity. It has been found that thin foil workpieces bent over and engaged by contact with the retaining step are secured against slippage with reduced clamping pressures. Moreover, the thin foil workpieces exhibit material draw during forming without the excessive lateral pressure between clamping surfaces that causes wrinkles. Substantially wrinkle-free flanges remain in the formed article.

Abstract: Fluidic regulating device intended to be placed between a blank-holder and the sliding member serving to displace the blank-holder. It comprises for example a body (11) intended to be mounted on the abovementioned sliding member (4) in such a way as to be driven by the latter, said body (11) accommodating at least one compact fluidic jack (12) and comprising at least one pipe (13) for feeding a pressurized fluid into the jack or jacks (12), the piston (15) of each jack being attached to a movable member (16) intended to work in conjunction with and displace the blank-holder (3) with respect to said body (11), in such a way that, when the displacement of the abovementioned sliding member is stopped by a stop (18), before the blank-holder (3) has come into contact with a blank placed on or against the die (2), the force exerted by the blank-holder on said blank is determined by the pressure of the fluid injected into said jack (12) and can vary during the stamping cycle.

Abstract: In a can body maker for the forming of a shallow metal cup blank into a relatively deep shaped cup body, a redraw sleeve for use in a redraw mechanism has a generally cylindrical body portion with a first end adapted to engage the redraw mechanism and an opposite, second end for contact with the shallow cup blank during the forming of the deep shaped cup body. The second end has a radially inwardly directed, circumferentially disposed, deformable face that facilitates uniform contact with the metal cup while compensating for minor misalignment of the cup and ram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the iterative process optimization of drawing processes, occurring in timed sequence, in drawing presses. The clamping force which can be set at the blank holder is reduced in the case of fractures or increased in the case of part folding or maintained at the same level in the case of acceptable parts. In order to be able to detect the drawn part quality with respect to the criteria of "fractures", "acceptable" or "folding" automatically during each working cycle the normal variation of the drawing sound is determined by means of a sound emission analysis of the structure-borne sound caused by the drawn part during the drawing process in the drawing tool, and from this a characteristic level course from periodic to stochastic sound components is determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus applicable to a press using a die set including a lower and an upper die which are removably installed movably towards and away from each other to perform a pressing operation under the adjusted operating conditions. A memory is provided to store machine information relating to the press and necessary to determine optimum values for the operating conditions. Die set information relating to the die set and necessary to determine the optimum values are received through a data input device. A calculating device calculates the optimum values, based on the machine information and the die set information, and an adjusting device automatically adjusts the operating conditions according to the calculated optimum values.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting sheet bars into drawing tools provides a program controllable sheet bar inserter with a gripper which contains a plurality of suction cups or electromagnets for picking up or setting down a sheet bar. The drawing tool contains a pair of bearing faces which together clamp in the sheet bar during drawing. In order, in particular for complicated bearing faces of the deep-drawing tool, to achieve a uniformly high drawn component quality and avoid rejects due to possible displacement of the sheet bars within the drawing tool as it closes, the gripper is constructed in the form of an at least three legged gripping spider with controllable legs with which the picked-up sheet bar can be deformed in a defined manner during transportation from the picking-up location to the drawing tool and can be matched to the shape of the bearing face of the lower bearing frame.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for forming metal sheet is adapted for operation within a standard double action press having a base and outer and inner vertically reciprocating slides and includes a basic die mountable to the press and specific tooling replaceably mountable to the basic die. The basic die includes an upper shoe mountable to the outer slide, a reservoir pan mounted atop the base, and hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted with the pan and mechanically actuatable by the inner slide for providing pressurized fluid to the specific tooling. The specific tooling includes mating upper and lower dies connected to the upper shoe and base, respectively, and movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A sheet metal blank positioned upon a lower die is wrapped around an upper die as the upper die is moved down to a closed position by an outer slide, the blank being clamped between the upper and lower dies whereby the periphery of the blank is gripped between a male and female bead mounted all around a part print cavity in the upper and lower dies, respectively. The outer slide then dwells while an inner slide moves down, engaging and actuating cylinder assemblies, causing hydraulic fluid to be forced into a region between the clamped blank and the lower die, the blank being formed into a part print cavity defined in the upper die. The male bead exerts varying control on the sheet to allow it to stretch across portions of the cavity while flowing into other portions of the cavity. A locking mechanism prevents the bending of the dies and holds the dies in a closed position thereby assisting the engagement of the male bead with the female bead.

Abstract: An apparatus used for measuring a holding force expected to be applied to a pressure member of a press, before the lower and upper dies and the pressure member are installed on the press. The apparatus includes a measuring member to be placed on cushion pins of the press associated with a fluid-actuated cylinder via a cushion pad. A sensing element is disposed on the measuring member or a main slide carrying the upper die, such that the holding force produced by force applying means which includes the cylinder acts on the sensing element, when the measuring member is lowered with the sensing element by the main slide in its downward movement towards a bolster on which the lower due is fixed. A load detecting device is disposed on the sensing element for detecting the holding force acting on the latter. The apparatus also includes a device for recording the holding force as detected by the load detecting device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for redrawing a drawn cup are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus disclosed are directed to redrawing a container body for use in a two piece beverage container. The redraw operation uses a redraw sleeve and a redraw ring that prevent wrinkles when a thin gauge metal is employed. The wrinkles are prevented by providing cooperating displacements on the surfaces of the redraw ring and the redraw sleeve that clamp the bottom surface of the cup that is being redrawn. This displacement provides a convoluted path through which the metal is pulled during the redraw operation to increase the resistance to being drawn and the tension in the side wall, thereby substantially eliminating wrinkles.

Abstract: A apparatus for moldng a stainless steel sheet into a complex airfoil-shaped cover for the leading edge of a jet engine blade wherein the sheet is positioned between a male and female mold having an airfoil-shaped protrusion and recess, respectively, on either side of which are disposed a plurality of pairs of complementary tongue and grooves of shorter length than that of the recess and protrusion. After the sheet is removed from between the molds the portion formed between the recess and protrusion is trimmed to the shape of the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for extending and retracting a redraw sleeve of a container bodymaker and for electromagnetically holding the redraw sleeve in its extended position against a container blank. A linear motor is disposed between two bulkheads and is interconnected with the redraw sleeve through one or more actuating rods. An electromagnet assembly is disposed proximate to a redraw die and, when activated, holds the redraw sleeve against the container blank while a reciprocating ram forces the container blank through the redraw die. The linear motor and the electromagnet assembly are axially disposed relative to the redraw die and the bulkheads to provide adequate access to the nose of the ram, the redraw sleeve and other components.

Abstract: A method for making a sound-dampened automotive enclosure, such as an oil pan, having a metal constraining layer, a metal housing layer, and a viscoelastic layer sandwiched therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the constraining layer and viscoelastic layer are between the housing layer and the die while the housing layer is being drawn. This results in a very close and snug fit between the layers, leading to enhanced sound-dampening effectiveness. The article thus produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: New technology for deep drawing can bodies for use in the manufacture of two-piece cans for food and beverage products from precoated flat-rolled sheet metal can stock in which damage to can stock precoated on both surfaces with an organic coating is avoided and draw-forming of the side wall is controlled to decrease metal requirements. A draw die cavity entrance (47, 74) is selected to provide at least a major portion of its curvilinear surface having a radius of curvature of about five times nominal sheet metal thickness gage, or less, e.g. a maximum radius of curvature of .04 inch is used for the more commonly used can stock materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for the simulative optimalization of the supporting of a sheet metal blank on the support frame of a deep-drawing tool includes a plurality of stands that are freely translatable and rotatable about a vertical axis on a horizontally aligned base plate. The stands are capable of being fixed on the base plate in any desired position in respect of translation and rotation. Each stand carries a mouth-like clamp which by means of appropriate lockable mountings can be turned and fastened about two horizontal pivot axes at right angels to one another, and which by means of a fastenable vertical guide can be adjusted and fastened in this vertical position on the stand. Each clamp contains on its bottom face a support part-surface by means of which a partial region of a support surface for the sheet blank can be simulated, and on its top face contains a clamp jaw translatable transversely thereto.

Abstract: A linear electromagnetic actuator has it core mounted to a can body forming apparatus and its coil attached to re-draw sleeve of such apparatus. The actuator provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve exerts the requisite force on the can material perform. The electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring mounted to the re-draw sleeve to hold the re-draw sleeve against the can material perform.

Abstract: New tooling technology for deep drawing one-piece can bodies from flat-rolled sheet metal can stock (58) which is precoated on both surfaces with an organic coating and draw lubricant. A draw die curved-surface cavity (122) entrance is formed using a radius of curvature (132) with a practical maximum of about five times nominal sheet metal thickness gage; and, preferably is formed about multiple radii of curvature (R.sub.L, R.sub.S, R.sub.L) to increase surface area (140) without increasing projection on the clamping plane. Die cavity wall (156) is tapered about 1.degree. to provide increasing cross section with increasing penetration of draw punch (160). Redraw die (90) has a sleeve-like configuration in a cross sectional plane which includes its central longitudinal axis (70); such configuration enables increase in production rate by enabling coaxial relative movement of such die into work product registry (98, 99) which position cups for redraw.

Abstract: A pressing die comprises a shaping panel form being pressed against a blank to be pressed into a product, an attachment panel adapted to be mounted on a press machine frame, first ribs extending from optimum positions on the shaping panel, second ribs extending from optimum positions on the attachment panel and offset from the first ribs, and intermediate ribs optimally joining the first and second ribs to each other.

Abstract: In the method proposed a peripheral wall with at least one axial section of high shaping and fitting accuracy is made by forming an initial blank. This accuracy is achieved, in that before the peripheral wall is formed, sheet material which has been put into a plastic state is swaged in places round the periphery, then the swaged locations are sized, and/or in that during or after the formation of the peripheral wall, the wall is shaped by stamping in a plurality of places along its periphery, whereby the said zone providing shaping and fitting accuracy is formed from fitting areas at at least one side of the peripheral wall in the region of the swaged and/or stamped locations. An apparatus for carrying out such a method is generally in the form of a drawing machine, wherein the holder and/or the bottom die contain radial apertures, which open into the inner edge of the holder and/or into the shaping cavity of the die, and which are arranged at intervals round the periphery.

Abstract: A method for molding a stainless steel sheet into a complex airfoil-shaped cover for the leading edge of a jet engine blade wherein the sheet is positioned between a male and female mold having an airfoil-shaped protrusion and recess, respectively, on either side of which are disposed a plurality of pairs of complementary tongue and grooves of shorter length than that of the recess and protrusion. After the sheet is removed from between the molds the portion formed between the recess and protrusion is trimmed to the shape of the cover.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for forming metal sheet is adapted for operation within a standard double action press having a base and outer and inner vertically reciprocating slides and includes a basic die mountable to the press and specific tooling replaceably mountable to the basic die. The basic die includes an upper shoe mountable to the outer slide, a lower shoe mountable atop the base and hydraulic cylinder assemblies connected to the lower shoe and mechanically actuatable by the inner slide for providing pressurized fluid to the specific tooling. The specific tooling includes mating upper and lower dies connected to the corresponding upper and lower shoes and movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draw forming a metal sheet over a male form to produce a three-dimensional shape. A sheet of metal is clamped between upper and lower draw plates positioned above the male form. The upper plate has an edge conforming to the male form shape. The plates and sheet are moved downwardly over the form with the edge of the upper plate firmly pressing the sheet against the form. The clamping pressure between the draw plates allows suitable slippage as drawing proceeds to produce a drawn shape of intended thickness. The drawn shape has a configuration conforming to the outer surface of the male form and has an outer surface of improved uniformity and appearance due to the wiping action of the upper plate edge.

Abstract: A bead structure for die binders which is easily convertible into either a drawbead structure or a lockbead structure includes a bead on one die binder having a generally planar roughened outer wall, a groove in the other binder, and a bead insert which is removably secured in the groove and includes a base of semi-rigid material and a series of segments secured to the base and having roughened outer walls juxtaposed to the roughened outer wall of the bead and providing a lockbead structure therewith when the binders close against a sheet metal blank. When the bead insert is removed, the bead and groove provide a drawbead structure. The sheet metal blank slides through the groove and over the roughened outer wall of the bead since the shoulders of the bead have a radius less than the radius of bending of the blank as it passes over the bead.

Abstract: New technology for deep drawing can bodies for use in the manufacture of two-piece cans for food and beverage products from precoated flat-rolled sheet metal can stock in which damage to can stock precoated on both surfaces with an organic coating is avoided and draw-forming of the side wall is controlled to decrease metal requirements. A draw die cavity entrance (47, 74) is selected to provide at least a major portion of its curvilinear surface having a radius of curvature of about five times nominal sheet metal thickness gage, or less, e.g. a maximum radius of curvature of 0.04 inch is used for the more commonly used can stock materials.

Abstract: A press device which is reduced in overall height thereof and in deformation of a press frame and can sufficiently support an eccentric load thereto. The press device comprises a press force generating unit disposed in a press frame and including a lid member secured to the press frame, a cross head having a cylinder chamber in which the lid member is fitted for axial sliding movement and having a blank holder at an end face thereof remote from the lid member, and a pressurizing member fitted for axial sliding movement in a portion of the cylinder chamber remote from the lid member. A shaping element is disposed in the press frame in an opposing relationship to the press force generating unit and has a shaping portion in which the pressurizing member is fitted.

Abstract: A sheet of metal of given thickness is press-formed to provide a part having a substantially constant thickness on a double action press. The sheet to be formed is disposed on a support. A first outer slide, or blank holder is applied on the peripheral portion of the sheet. A second central slide is applied on the central portion of the sheet. The peripheral portion of the sheet is formed while allowing it to slide under the blank holder, by displacing relative to said support at least one active part of the outer slide so as to compensate, in certain regions of the finished part, for excess areas of the sheet, for the given thickness of said sheet, relative to the volume of metal to be formed, and displacing simultaneously with the displacement of the part the central slide so as to shape angular volumes of the central portion of the sheet by application of the sheet against the surfaces of the central part of the support.

Abstract: A hydraulic element including a working cylinder defining a cylinder chamber having an axis and containing hydraulic medium, a working piston movable in the cylinder chamber along the axis and having an interior end arranged to communicate with the hydraulic medium in the cylinder chamber, and an annular piston movable in the cylinder chamber, along the axis, and enclosing the working piston, the annular piston having an interior end communicating with the hydraulic medium in the cylinder chamber so that movement of one of the pistons in a first direction along the axis causes the other of the pistons to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling the clamping movement of a single action drawing press having a fluid actuated pressure member wherein movement of the pressure member is interrupted by stops after a predetermined range of movement toward the base of the press.

Abstract: A complex pressing die apparatus having a plurality of upper and lower dies which are actuated by respective hydraulic cylinder devices which are located in a coaxial arrangement, respectively, in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: Device to drape draw a nickel-iron alloy, etched-aperture sheet, including means to heat the sheet at a temperature between 150.degree. and 250.degree. C. during drawing, whereby a 0.2% proof stress of the shadow mask material is reached below a tensile stress of 150.sup.N /nm.sup.2. Accurate reproduction of shadow masks is thereby achieved with minimized detrition of the tooling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a bathtub having a sloped back end in a sheet steel drawing process, wherein a steel blank is first held onto a draw ring and bed by a blank holder. A punch in the general shape of the bathtub is forced into the blank. As the punch extends into the draw ring, an air draw is made at the portion of the blank corresponding to the sloped back end in the final product of the process. This portion of the blank develops wrinkles as the drawing operation continues, until the blank contacts a die in the bed of the set-up. As the punch extends further into the draw stroke the blank is pressed into recesses in the die by corresponding bulges in the punch, thereby "ironing" out the wrinkles in the blank so that the sloped end is smooth.

Abstract: A method of forming a deep-drawn and ironed container having a bottom profile wherein a cup is formed by drawing an inverted cup and reverse drawing the cup and simultaneously imparting a bottom profile thereto while controlling the thickness of the material in the bottom. The method also includes providing support to the profiled bottom while ironing the cup thus formed. The method is accomplished by a system which includes a draw-redraw station wherein the inverted cup is adjustably held by a fluidly actuated lift out ring and draw pad in the bottom area against a punch during reverse drawing to control metal thickness in the bottom. A separate pressure sleeve is also engaged with the profiled bottom during ironing to prevent pulling material from the bottom.